Picture your clients standing at the edge of the world, surrounded by icy wilderness teeming with penguins and whales and the deep silence of jaw-dropping scenery. This is Antarctica, a bucket-list destination.
But for exploring this magical land, not all cruises are the same, and knowing the different itinerary options is key to matching your clients with the right experience according to their interests.
Here’s a streamlined breakdown of our hand-picked cruise routes, which align with our high-quality and sustainable standards, and how to help your clients choose the perfect adventure.
Our top 8 Antarctica Cruise Options
- Ocean Nova: Offers an intimate experience that follows international sustainability guidelines and features Scandinavian design, daily expert lectures, and a Citizen Science Program. It blends comfort, exploration, and learning. Its ice-class hull enables Zodiac landings in remote areas for truly unforgettable experiences.
- Magellan Explorer: It is a state-of-the-art expedition vessel and custom-built for air-cruise expeditions. It blends modern design, advanced technology, and eco-conscious features. Enjoy elegant indoors, panoramic views, and cozy lounges aboard this boutique vessel, offering a warm, personalized experience for Antarctic exploration. Seven stylish accommodation categories cater to travelers seeking comfort, style, and an authentic connection with nature.
- Magellan Discoverer: Sister ship to Magellan Explorer, it offers boutique luxury for Antarctic fly-cruises. Featuring elegant interiors by Tomas Tillberg Design, large windows, and refined accommodations, it fosters a close-knit exploration community. Purpose-built for sustainability and performance, it promises a stylish, unforgettable adventure in the world’s most remote landscapes.
- Ocean Albatros: Built for rough seas with X-bow-Infinity class and Solas safety classification, is a low-energy vessel that promotes carbon footprint reduction, featuring comfortable cabins, eco-conscious operations, social and wellness areas, and a wide range of onboard activities.
- Ocean Victory: Its X-bow design provides clear wildlife views from observation decks. It’s certified for comfort, clean operations, and low emissions. The ship offers comfortable cabins, social and wellness spaces, a lecture lounge, and eco-friendly practices for a responsible expedition.
- Ortelius, built for rugged polar expeditions, reaches remote destinations like the Ross Sea. It offers comfortable cabins with outside views, a welcoming restaurant, and a cozy lecture lounge. Zodiac excursions, expert-guided wildlife encounters, and helicopter adventures promise unforgettable off-the-beaten-path experiences in Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands.
- Plancius: Perfect for active travelers, it emphasizes time ashore with kayaking, hiking, camping, diving, among other activities. Offering a warm, inviting atmosphere, it blends modern technology with true expedition charm. Relax in cozy shared spaces, enjoy a panoramic observation lounge, and explore the breathtaking polar wilderness with an adventurous spirit.
- Hondius, the world’s first Polar Class 6 vessel, ensures safe, swift polar exploration. Enjoy stylish cabins, a large observation lounge, and a lecture room. Also, it provides two gangways and a sheltered Zodiac boarding area to maximize time ashore. Hondius seamlessly blends agility, innovation, and comfort for extraordinary Arctic and Antarctic adventures.
Main itineraries & key differences
1. Antarctic Peninsula (10-12 days): Embark on a journey through the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, offering the opportunity to spot abundant wildlife such as Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adélie penguins, as well as seals (weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals) and whales (humpback, minke, and orca). Excursions include Zodiac landings and visits to iconic locations such as Paradise Bay and Port Lockroy.
*Ships operating: Ocean Nova, Magellan Explorer, Magellan Discoverer.
2. Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula (17-20 days): For those looking for a longer adventure, this extended itinerary includes island hopping to key wildlife sites to encounter King penguin colonies and elephant seals, seabird species, and diverse ecosystems. Also, visits to historic sites such as Stanley, battlefields, or Shackleton’s grave, and historic whaling stations. The trip is ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive exploration of the White Continent.
*Ships operating: Magellan Explorer, Magellan Discoverer, Ocean Victory, and Ocean Albatros.
3. Weddell Sea & Antarctic Peninsula (12-14 days): This journey ventures into the more remote Weddell Sea, offering extraordinary encounters with Emperor penguins, along with seals and whales. The expedition explores ice-filled waters and pristine landscapes, perfect for those looking for a deeper adventure in the lesser-known Antarctic spots.
*Ships operating: Ocean Victory, Ocean Albatros, Ortelius, Plancius, and Hondius.
4. Antarctic Circle Crossing (12-14 days): A challenging and adventurous itinerary, the Antarctic Circle Crossing takes travelers farther south of the Equator to the 66°33′45.9″ coordinates, offering the chance to witness unique wildlife, explore remote polar regions, and visit historic research bases. This itinerary is suited for those seeking a truly off-the-beaten-path experience in Antarctica.
*Ships operating: Ortelius, Plancius, and Hondius.
5. Fly-Cruise Antarctic Peninsula (8-10 days): This option allows travelers to avoid the crossing of the Drake Passage by flying directly to the Antarctic Peninsula, saving travel time. This shorter itinerary focuses on wildlife sightings and exploration in the Peninsula, including Zodiac cruises, sea kayaking, hiking, and snowshoeing.
*Ships operating: Magellan Explorer, Magellan Discoverer.
Which Antarctic itinerary is most recommended?
- For first-time travelers, exploring the Antarctic Peninsula can be suitable onboard the Ocean Nova with wildlife, exploration, and Zodiac landings in the Peninsula, all within a manageable 10-12 day timeframe. Another recommended option is via Magellan Explorer or Magellan Discoverer. It offers a shorter itinerary (8–10 days) with the convenience of fly-cruise options, cutting down travel time and maximizing time in Antarctica.
- For wildlife lovers, the Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula are highly recommended. It provides the opportunity to see iconic penguin colonies and diverse wildlife while exploring two of the most pristine ecosystems on Earth.
- Finally, for the adventurers, the Weddell Sea & Antarctic Peninsula or Antarctic Circle Crossing itineraries (12-14 days) are the best options to explore remote areas that provide unique wildlife encounters. Additionally, you can navigate less-visited areas of Antarctica while admiring huge tabular icebergs.
What to know before an Antarctic expedition?
- How to get to Antarctica? Your journey will start with a flight to either Punta Arenas (Chile) or Ushuaia (Argentina) one day earlier. After settling in, in the afternoon, you will attend an exciting expedition briefing filled with expert recommendations to prepare you for the extraordinary trip ahead. Spend the night enjoying the charm of Punta Arenas or Ushuaia according to the itinerary, before the next day’s thrilling adventure to Antarctica, whether by a scenic flight or an unforgettable cruise.
- Best Time to Travel: Due to the extreme weather conditions, the only time is from November to March, during the summer months when the temperature is about 0 °C.
- November is ideal for admiring pristine ice landscapes and ice formations to capture great photos.
- December to February is perfect for nature and wildlife lovers as there are more opportunities to spot unique wildlife such as penguin chicks and seal pups.
- March is the prime time for whale-watching, especially humpback whales.
- What to wear? Be prepared to face extreme weather conditions, including layered, waterproof clothing, boots, and thermal gear are essential to stay warm and dry.
- Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is required; the amount differs for each Antarctica Cruise.
Need help crafting the perfect itinerary for your clients? Contact us for customized itineraries and availability for a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Antarctica.
Published in April 2025
